The Ontario government is exploring innovative ways to expand the role of pharmacists, aiming to make pharmacies a central hub for healthcare.
Announced on July 24, 2024, this initiative builds on the success of a program launched in 2023, where pharmacists conducted over 1 million assessments for common ailments like pink eye and UTIs. The expansion will allow pharmacists to treat 14 additional conditions, administer more vaccines, and conduct more point-of-care tests.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized the importance of this initiative in connecting Ontarians with essential care closer to home.
With over 4,600 pharmacies participating, this expansion aims to reduce pressure on family doctors and hospitals, ensuring more accessible healthcare for everyone.
“The ongoing and expanded role of pharmacists is fundamental to delivering accessible, high-quality care for Ontarians,” said Lisa Dolovich, Dean, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. “Pharmacists have consistently shown we can assess and treat common ailments, deliver vaccinations to help close vaccination gaps and improve health across our communities. Through innovative and future-oriented health education, pharmacy learners are trained and prepared to practice to our full scope alongside and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. We support the Government of Ontario for their commitment to expanding the scope of pharmacy professionals and strengthening Ontario’s health care system.”
The government is also working to eliminate barriers that prevent pharmacists from ordering certain tests, enhancing their ability to deliver timely care.
This comprehensive approach would leverage pharmacists’ skills to improve health outcomes and provide convenient, local care options.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
